Be Kind – Kindness is perhaps the greatest gift you can give yourself and others. It can be shared freely and will never diminish in supply by use. In fact, sharing kindness only magnifies its abundance. Whether it’s a smile to a stranger or reaching out with a helping hand to someone in need, kindness connects our souls and makes us richer for the experience.  Just today, a bicyclist rode by me as I was standing by my car. He smiled a genuine smile and waved. Something about him was so intriguing that I watched as he rode past. On the back of his seat post was a make-shift cardboard sign that read, “You’re Perfect.”

Be Courageous – Live outside your comfort zone. That’s where the growth comes; that’s where the magic happens. Don’t let your fears hold you back from pushing limits and taking risks. The things in life that are worthwhile require you to get off the sidelines and take a leap. Just as important, let your voice speak out to your convictions. In other words, speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.

Be Adventurous – There is a huge world out there. Where will you go? What will you see? Whatwill you do? The answers will shape who you become. The more you engage in the world around you, the more you will broaden your perspective, stimulate your curiosity and connect to opportunities, people and possibilities. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Give Back – We are at our best, when we are helping others. How can you serve, how can you contribute, and how can you make a difference. It can be in little ways every day or through a worthy obsession…or both.  It can be as simple and profound as being a good parent or as bold as saving the rain forest. Whatever it is, do it with enthusiasm and reap the benefits of good karma.

Be Grateful – Gratitude changes everything. Embracing gratitude will change your focus to the positive. No matter how bad things can get, there are always things to appreciate. Being in a gratitude mindset unlocks the fullness of life and allows us to have enough, and more, than what you need. 

Be Mindful – Live in the moment. Be present. Life is too precious and short not to be fully engaged and living in the now. Eckhart Tolle writes in The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, “As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out the present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care and love – even the most simple action.”

Imagine. In a recent survey of CEOs, they noted the most important attribute that they hire for is innovation. Sometimes, our ability to see all the possibilities has been lost by becoming a “grown-up.” Capture and hold on to the imagination of a young child, filled with hope and wonder. Bring that sense of curiosity to your world and use it to explore opportunities, push boundaries, and make new discoveries. Most of us don’t realize the magic that we have inside our minds that is just waiting to be let out.

Don’t Wait – Some people wait their whole lives to start living. Waiting for the kids to graduate or move out, waiting for the perfect job, waiting to get that degree. Waiting for the right time is only missing out on what you could be experiencing, doing and creating. You have all that you need right now. Remember, “You’re Perfect.”